By Alex Predelaux
Callum Sheedy has gone from boozy fan to the main man for Wales, even if Dan Biggar is still the landlord at No.10.
If Wayne Pivac is true to recent form then Biggar will start at outside-half for the Grand Slam mission against France in Paris on Saturday and Sheedy will be responsible for locking up.
That’s how it worked with the Triple Crown decider against England and there is little to suggest that Sheedy will not be called upon from the bench in Wales’ final match of the Six Nations.
The 25-year-old Bristol playmaker admits it was only a few years ago that he was a young supporter with his mates, watching Wales play on TV over a few drinks.
“It hasn’t sunk it that I’m in the Six Nations never mind I’m one game away from a Grand Slam,” he said.
“It’s all happened so quick that I haven’t even got time to think about it.
“I grew up watching the Grand Slams over the years and the championships over the years. I was the guy getting drunk at the pub, watching and cheering.
“It’s really special for me to be a part of this but it’s all happening so fast I haven’t even had time to think about it.
“I would have laughed at you if you said two or three years ago I’d be playing for Wales in one cap never mind playing in the Six Nations or going four from four etc.
“It’s so hard to put into words how special it actually feels. I remember signing the anthem the first time during Ireland away and it’s so special it’s impossible to put into words.
Sheedy has made a big impression off the bench for Wales so far in the championship, with Biggar chosen to start. Whoever Pivac opts to select against France this Saturday, Sheedy is confident he can rise to the challenge in Paris.
“Biggs is a fantastic player who has had a great tournament and he was fantastic again on Saturday.
“For me to learn from someone like Biggs, who has had 90 plus caps, I can really see why he’s had that and why he’s at the top of the game in world rugby.
“For me to be able to learn from someone like him is special and it’s working well at the moment with him playing and me coming off the bench. We’ve obviously got a big job on Saturday so we’ll see how that goes.
“Of course you don’t want to be somebody who is known as a bench player but the main thing is that the team wins and if the team wins by Biggs starting and me coming off the bench then so be it.
“The special thing about this squad is there are no egos, there’s no individuals here, and everyone does what’s best for the team.
“If we are winning doing it this way then I’m more than happy. You practice all week, and you practice all your life for kicks and it’s no different if it’s in the 80th minute or the first minute.
“You’ve just got to trust your process and back yourself. If there’s a kick in the 80th minute to win the Grand Slam I’ll be more than happy to take that.”
Playing rugby for Wales is the ultimate dream for most young boys growing up this side of Offa’s Dyke.
But for Sheedy it is extra special, with the Cardiffian having opted to represent Wales over England and Ireland respectively.
“It’s the most special feeling you’ll ever have.
“When I’m sat in the team room next to Alun Wyn Jones and I’m thinking oh my god it’s Alun Wyn Jones next to me!
“Out on the pitch I guess you just get into your character in rugby mode and it all sort of clicks. It is weird when I’m sat down having lunch with Dan Biggar and Alun Wyn Jones.
“The thing with AWJ is he’s just a normal guy. The first time I met him I was a bit nervous but he just makes you feel so comfortable and at ease.
“It doesn’t matter if it’s your first cap or you’ve won a hundred caps he treats you exactly the same and that goes for all the experienced lads in the camp.
“The way they treat the younger lads, especially in the autumn, was amazing and made me feel welcome.
“In terms of being able to fit in you’ve got to believe you’ve been picked for a reason and you’ve got to believe you’re good enough otherwise there’s no point being here.”
If selected to face France Sheedy will arguably face the biggest challenge of his career to date, with Les Bleus possessing some of the best players in the world.
into @Sheedy95‘s kicking preparation with Skills & Kicking Coach @seanbeanymarsde
Ft. @StevenLuatua pic.twitter.com/kNQgmwkkLA
— Bristol Bears (@BristolBears) March 5, 2021
But Sheedy is confident he is up to the task. “Dupont is one of if not the best in the world,” said Sheedy.
“He’s world class. His toolbox is pretty much full with different talents.
“We know we’ve got to keep him under control but you’ve got Jalibert and Ntamack as well at 10 who are both excellent players. I played against Jalibert in the semi-final of the Challenge Cup last year and he was excellent.
“You look at 1-15 of their side and they are full of threats. If we concentrate too much on one player then the other 14 can hurt you.
“We know we’ve got to look after their nine and 10 who are massive parts of their game but they are full of threats around the pitch.”